House GOP leaders are struggling to secure enough votes to pass a short-term funding bill, raising the specter of a partial government shutdown weeks before the midterm elections.
Faced with a ticking clock and growing opposition within their ranks, House Republican leaders are poised to skirt Republican opposition to their federal funding plan. The plan aims to avoid a partial government shutdown, which could come at a significant political cost for the party.
House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., has expressed concern about the potential consequences of a shutdown. "It's not good for the American people, it doesn't work politically," he stated.
House Republicans Face Uphill Battle to Avoid Government Shutdown
Under normal circumstances, a bill would undergo a procedural vote known as a "rule vote" before lawmakers could decide on the measure itself. However, rule votes often fall along party lines, regardless of individual support for the bill.
Rep. Ralph Norman, a member of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, has indicated that he would support the rule advancing through the committee but would reject it on the House floor. This stance, coupled with the Republicans' narrow three-seat majority, could hinder the passage of the rule.
House Republicans Face Uphill Battle to Avoid Government Shutdown
As a result, House GOP leaders are considering putting the measure up for a vote under suspension of the rules. This would eliminate the need for a House-wide rule vote but would require a two-thirds majority for passage.
The bill, known as a continuing resolution (CR), would extend current government funding through December 20. Its purpose is to grant Congress more time to negotiate spending priorities for fiscal year 2025.
House Republicans Face Uphill Battle to Avoid Government Shutdown
A significant number of Republicans oppose a CR on principle, arguing that it is an unnecessary extension of government bloat. However, a government shutdown just weeks before Election Day could have severe political repercussions for the party.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has acknowledged the political risks and has promised lawmakers that they will not be forced to vote on an end-of-year "omnibus" spending bill, which wraps all 12 annual appropriations bills into a single package.
House Republicans Face Uphill Battle to Avoid Government Shutdown
Despite Johnson's efforts, the passage of the CR is likely to require Democratic support. "Having to rely on liberal Democrats to pass anything is very disappointing," said Rep. Norman.
Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, expressed concern that the process is not being conducted properly. "A CR, an appropriations bill, under suspension? That's not the way to run a railroad," he said.
Amidst the opposition, House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris, R-Md., has defended Speaker Johnson. "I take the speaker at his word that he will not do that," Harris said when asked about an end-of-year omnibus.
Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., has indicated that the CR will receive a vote on Wednesday, suggesting that suspension of the rules is the likely option.
Last week, a more conservative CR, which aimed to extend the funding fight into March and crack down on noncitizen voting, was defeated by 14 Republicans and all but three Democrats. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., one of the 14 rebels, expressed sympathy for Johnson's position. "Speaker Johnson's on the spot. He has to do what he has to do."
